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Service agreements

If you receive funding from a funding body or government department, it is likely that you will have either a Memorandum of Understanding or a Service Agreement. Service Agreements outline the responsibilities of both parties and often detail what reporting and evaluation requirements the organisation must adhere to. The agreement creates a legal relationship between the funder and the funded organisation and outlines the approved service(s), including outputs, outcomes, and performance measures.

Most government departments require funded organisations to undertake research and data collection, development of policy and practice, service planning, monitoring and evaluation. Before you sign your specific service agreement, read the document carefully to ensure that you can meet all of the practice and reporting requirements.

It is wise to negotiate specific funding which covers the resources and expenses related to carrying out monitoring and evaluation, especially if you want to engage a consultant to train staff or assist the process. Remember, evaluations help you to be transparent and accountable, so having the funding available to conduct an evaluation process should be a prerequisite.

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